A Supportive Resource and Compassionate Voice for Lives Touched by Mental Illness and Suicide.

Postpartum Disorder

The birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting time, but following
childbirth, some women may experience postpartum disorders that can
adversely affect a woman’s mental health. Mothers commonly experience
what is called “the baby blues,” mood swings that are the result of high
hormonal fluctuations that occur during and immediately after
childbirth. They may also experience more serious mental health
disorders such as postpartum depression, birth-related post-traumatic
stress disorder, or a severe but rare condition called postpartum
psychosis.

In general, clinical depression occurs in approximately 15 to 25 percent
of the population, and women are twice as likely as men to experience
depression. Because women are most likely to experience depression
during the primary reproductive years (25 to 45), they are especially
vulnerable to developing depression during pregnancy and after
childbirth. Women who develop these disorders do not need to feel
ashamed or alone; treatment and support are available.

Postpartum Blues

Postpartum blues are very common, occurring in up to 80 percent of new
mothers. Characterized by mood swings, postpartum blues or “baby blues”
are normal reactions that many mothers experience following childbirth.
The onset of postpartum blues usually occurs three to five days after
delivery, and should subside as hormone levels begin to stabilize.
Symptoms generally do not last for more than a few weeks. If a person
continues to experience moods swings or feelings of depression for more
than two weeks after childbirth, the problem may be more serious.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major form of depression and is less
common than postpartum blues. PPD includes all the symptoms of
depression but occurs only following childbirth. Symptoms of PPD may
include specific fears such as excessive preoccupation with the child’s
health or intrusive thoughts of harming the baby. Given the stressful
circumstances of caring for a new baby, it is understandable that new
mothers may be more tired, irritable, and anxious, but when a new mother
is experiencing drastic changes in motivation, appetite, or mood she
should seek the help of a mental health professional. For a clinical
diagnosis of postpartum depression to be made, symptoms of PPD generally
must be present for more than two weeks following childbirth to
distinguish them from postpartum blues. PPD can begin any time after
delivery and can last up to a year. It is estimated to occur in
approximately 10 to 20 percent of new mothers.

The causes of PPD are not quite clear but research suggests that the
following factors may contribute to the onset of PPD:

Hormonal changes: A woman experiences the greatest hormonal
fluctuation levels after giving birth. Intense hormone fluctuations,
such as decreased serotonin levels, occur after delivery and may
play a role in the development of PPD.

Situational risks: Childbirth itself is a major life change and
transition, and big changes can cause a great deal of stress and
result in depression. If a major event coincides with childbirth, a
mother may be more susceptible than average to PPD.

Life Stresses: Ongoing stressful circumstances can compound the
pressures of having a new baby and may trigger PPD. For example,
excessive stress at the office added to the responsibilities of
being a mother can cause emotional strain that could lead to PPD.
The nature of the mother’s relationship with the baby’s father and
any unresolved feelings about the pregnancy might also affect a
mother’s risk of getting PPD.

Taking antidepressant medication may help alleviate the symptoms of PPD
and should be combined with ongoing counseling with a therapist trained
in issues surrounding childbirth. Studies show that some antidepressant
medications have no harmful effects on breastfeeding infants.
Psychotherapy alone may also be used to treat PPD. New mothers should be
encouraged to talk about their feelings or fears with others.
Socializing through support groups and with friends can play a critical
role in recovery. Exercise and good nutrition may improve a new mother’s
mood and also aid in recovery. Caffeine should be avoided because it can
trigger anxiety and mood changes.

In most cases PPD is preventable; early identification can lead to early
treatment. A major part of prevention is being informed about the risk
factors and the medical community can play a key role in identifying and
treating PPD. Women should be screened by their physician to determine
their risk for acquiring PPD. Because social support is also a vital
factor in prevention, early identification of mothers who are at risk
can enable a woman to seek support from physicians, partners, friends,
and coworkers.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

After childbirth, women may also experience post traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). PTSD includes two key elements: (1) experiencing or
witnessing an event involving actual or threatened danger to the self or
others, and (2) responding with intense fear, helplessness or horror.
Symptoms of birth-related PTSD may include:

Obsessive thoughts about the birth

Feelings of panic when near the site where the birth occurred

Feelings of numbness and detachment

Disturbing memories of the birth experience

Nightmares

Flashbacks

Sadness, fearfulness, anxiety, or irritability

Postpartum Psychosis

In rare cases, women may experience postpartum psychosis (PPP), a
condition that affects about one-tenth of 1 percent of new mothers.
Onset is quick and severe, and usually occurs within the first two to
three weeks following childbirth. Symptoms are similar to those of
general psychotic reactions such as delusions (false beliefs) and
hallucinations (false perceptions), and often include:

A woman who is diagnosed with PPP should be hospitalized until she is in
stable condition. Doctors may prescribe a mood stabilizer,
antipsychotic, or antidepressant medications to treat postpartum
psychosis. Mothers who experience PPP are highly likely to suffer from
it again following their next pregnancy.

The Kim Foundation is an education and resource organization. We do not provide direct services and are not able to respond immediately to requests for information.

If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) The content contained in this website is for informational purposes only and is compiled and received from various sources. The Kim Foundation does not endorse the resources provided and does not accept liability or responsibility for incorrect information provided.